The Ideators at Ideal Innovations, Inc.: Masterminding Innovation for Solving Problems of National Security for 25 Years

In today’s rapidly evolving world, having a company that embraces forward-thinking strategies, drives disruptive ideas, and eagerly embraces technological advancements is paramount. These visionary companies shape the future, leaving a lasting impact on industries and society. By challenging the status quo, they lead progress and innovation, harnessing the power of technology to solve complex problems, seize new opportunities, and meet evolving needs. With a culture of collaboration and innovation, they unlock groundbreaking ideas and transform them into tangible realities. A forward-thinking company that embraces disruptive ideation and technological advancements becomes a catalyst for positive change, shaping a future that resonates with us all.

Ideal Innovations, Inc. (I-3) is a trailblazing company that has been at the forefront of disruptive innovation and technological advancements in government contracting. For the past 25 years, I-3 has provided its expertise in services and products to the Department of Defense and other major federal departments and agencies, such as the FBI, DHS, DIA, and USPS, with a strong focus on biometrics, forensics, and scientific engineering. The company’s unique and fast-paced approach to business has propelled them to success as a go-to company relied on to produce cutting-edge solutions to difficult and urgent federal problems. The company has consistently contributed solutions used for National Security. 

I-3 operates with a streamlined and agile decision-making process, fostering a flat organizational hierarchy that promotes fast-paced response, innovation, and educated risk-taking. This approach empowers the company to swiftly respond to customer needs and devise creative solutions for intricate problems. Indeed, the company has a history of quickly deploying resources to OCONUS locations where others have faltered.

At the helm of I-3’s remarkable success stands Bob Kocher, the visionary Founder and Chief Executive Officer. Bob’s extensive background in technology consulting and military applications propelled him to establish I-3 in 1998, driven by the mission to meet the critical technological needs of the U.S. Government. Prior to this, he served as a Program Manager at the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA), where he expertly assessed and integrated cutting-edge technologies for military applications. Notably, Bob was pivotal in establishing the Army’s Quick Response Office, a crucial initiative providing advanced technologies for counter-terrorism and peacekeeping efforts. His educational foundation includes a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point, complemented by a Masters in Mechanical Engineering from Rice University. Beyond his profound technological contributions, Bob is an accomplished inventor with over 50 patents, a dedicated marathoner, and a certified private jet pilot.

Richard Syretz, with over 15 years of invaluable experience at I-3, currently serves as its President, overseeing the day-to-day operations, shaping corporate strategy, and ensuring robust financial performance. His journey at the company includes holding significant roles like CFO and COO before taking on the role of President in December 2022. Richard’s impressive financial leadership background extends beyond I-3, having previously held positions at Raytheon Company (now RTX). Committed to making a positive impact beyond the corporate world, he actively participates in the nonprofit sector. He demonstrates his dedication by serving as the Treasurer on the Board of Directors of the 11q Research and Resource Group.

Three distinct divisions exist within the structure of I-3, and a unique growth entity known as P4. Dr. Rebecca Perlman heads the Forensics division, a role in which she orchestrates various programs that cater to the government’s multifaceted biometric examination needs, encompassing facial, fingerprint, and iris recognition. Dr. Perlman’s remarkable track record includes pioneering the deployment of the first-ever forensic expeditionary labs in warzones during the Iraq War. These labs were instrumental in expediting the forensic analysis of exploited materials, contributing significantly to mission success.

Furthermore, Rebecca has been a driving force in facial identification. She established the Face Center of Excellence (FaCE), a pioneering institution responsible for developing the industry’s first commercially available training courses and proficiency tests. These resources were crafted using the wealth of experience derived from I-3’s long-standing support to the Federal Government. Since its inception in 2015, FaCE has provided training to numerous federal agencies and international law enforcement organizations, playing a pivotal role in shaping the standards utilized by facial identification practitioners worldwide.

The biometrics division is run by Ivan Quinn, a long-time biometrics industry veteran who has grown his division through professional service wins for key government biometrics organizations such as PM Biometrics and the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation. Ivan is dual-hatted as he also runs a related biometrics products company called Secure Planet, Inc. as COO, where several company patents have been converted to successful products. One of them is the FABIS mobile, a handheld facial identification product used in anti-terrorism activities worldwide.  Another was “shrapnel shorts,” which were procured by the military and provided soldiers with woven Kevlar to protect the femoral artery against IEDs, once again demonstrating I-3’s ability to develop patents, solve a problem, and contribute to national defense. 

Dr. Chris Ruckman is heading the Science and Technology division, responsible for transforming cutting-edge R&D concepts into contracts and Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) projects. His work encompasses pioneering ideas in heart rate biometrics and IED detection technology using radar in conjunction with drones.

Finally, Leading and overseeing business development is Don Ross, a former Marine and longtime government contracting industry veteran as Chief Strategic Growth Officer, where he leverages the company’s honed capabilities into new business. 

The culture of innovation applied to traditional govt. Contracting success is no accident. Several years ago, Bob Kocher formed the P-4 Group (Problem-Patent-Prototype and Production) to capture, staff, and apply the process that has been refined over several years, which yielded patents that were subsequently transformed into successful products and innovations in the services described above. I-3 hasn’t stopped there. They have shared their “startup mentality” by taking ownership stakes in emerging companies and helping them grow faster. As a result, several companies in the portfolio have exceeded their goals.

Whether it’s the independent identification of pressing societal needs, such as their COVID-19 temperature warning system or creating designs like shrapnel shorts, I-3 has consistently contributed to national defense for 25 years. I-3’s accomplished technical team, composed of numerous Ph.D. holders and military veterans, collaborates seamlessly to address paramount real-world challenges. Integral to their inventive approach is the utilization of rapid prototyping and meticulous refinement, which collectively empower them to craft distinctive and exceptionally effective solutions.

I-3’s ability to monetize its inventions and distance itself from the competition in traditional services lies in its strong reputation in the government contracting community. The company has also learned how to protect its intellectual property through patents. Their sister company, Secure Planet, was created over a decade ago and has successfully developed several biometric products utilizing these patented technologies.

Beyond their trailblazing innovations, I-3 fosters a strong, cohesive company culture emphasizing collaboration, trust, and a shared vision. The company creates a positive work environment where employees feel valued and motivated via an open-door policy for all ideas. Unique rewards, such as commemorative trips for work anniversaries and bucket list trips for top performers, strengthen the bonds within the team and cultivate a supportive atmosphere that fuels continued innovation and success.

Ideal Innovations, Inc. invites potential partners, investors, and tech enthusiasts to discover the power of disruptive ideation and technological advancements. With its impressive track record, innovative spirit, and dynamic company culture, I-3 is a destination for those seeking collaborative opportunities and groundbreaking solutions and a company that has made a true contribution to our nation’s security.

To learn more, visit www.idealinnovations.com.